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WO2016028283A1 - Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016028283A1
WO2016028283A1 PCT/US2014/051762 US2014051762W WO2016028283A1 WO 2016028283 A1 WO2016028283 A1 WO 2016028283A1 US 2014051762 W US2014051762 W US 2014051762W WO 2016028283 A1 WO2016028283 A1 WO 2016028283A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lamp
vehicle
mount member
lens
light assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2014/051762
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English (en)
Inventor
David Knox
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Knoxious Enterprises LLC
Original Assignee
Knoxious Enterprises LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Knoxious Enterprises LLC filed Critical Knoxious Enterprises LLC
Priority to PCT/US2014/051762 priority Critical patent/WO2016028283A1/fr
Publication of WO2016028283A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016028283A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q7/00—Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
    • B60Q7/02—Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles to be attached to overhanging loads or extending parts of vehicle

Definitions

  • bicycle racks rear-disposed bicycle racks
  • the bicycles obfuscate the viewability of the vehicle's rear-disposed external lighting, including brake lights, turn signals, backing lights, and general tail lights, which in turn compromises traffic safety.
  • brake lights turn signals
  • backing lights backing lights
  • general tail lights which in turn compromises traffic safety.
  • the present inventive disclosure is generally directed to a portable and lightweight tail/brake-light assembly that is removably attached to a bicycle rack or cargo rack mounted to the rear portion of a vehicle, such that when bicycle(s) and/or cargo is loaded onto the rack, the associated vehicle will still have operable rear lighting, including signal/brake lighting, that is unobstructed by the loaded cargo or bicycles.
  • rear-mounted loads on a vehicle often obscure brake/tail lights and/or any augmented lighting is not aligned with the vehicle's tail lighting, causing a safety hazard— especially at night.
  • the tail/brake lights are integrated directly into the ends of an elongated, tubular (often made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, or some other lightweight, rigid material), lamp-mount member that incorporates telescoping portions on each end that can be fixedly adjusted by an end user to vary the width of the apparatus and thus the lamp positions relative to an associated vehicle and/or to match the width of a cargo load.
  • the lamps on each end of the lamp-mount member are adapted to receive electrical power and signals from an associated vehicle's tail-lighting system (usually via the vehicle's trailer-power adapter).
  • the elongated lamp-mount member's exterior surface can be covered in a high- friction material such rubber (even textured with mountain-bike tire tread features), which provides enhanced gripability when securely strapping the apparatus to a cargo/bike rack, provides some protection to the loads (i.e., bicycles and/or cargo) that are in immediate proximity to the lighting apparatus, provides weather/moisture resistance, and even can provide an ornamental enhancement.
  • the elongated lamp-mount member may have a plurality of sleeving that is of bright, reflective materials/colors (e.g., reflective-red polymeric sleeving) for enhanced visual communication/notification to drivers of other vehicles.
  • the overall inventive concept described herein can be applied to any rear-load scenario where a vehicle's tail/brake lights are obscured and the lighting apparatus attaches to a rear mounting, providing visible tail/brake light solutions.
  • some of the inventive concepts described herein can be applied to a towed trailer that has no built-in tail lighting.
  • Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles, said light assembly shown attached to a vehicle bicycle rack, and as viewed from the rear of a vehicle.
  • Figure 2 provides an isometric view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 depicts one embodiment of a front and/or rear view (each being substantially the same) of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • Figure 4 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • Figure 5 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly, featuring an added photovoltaic cell assembly (which in some embodiments can wrap-around the rounded- top surface) for charging any internal rechargeable batteries, for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • an added photovoltaic cell assembly which in some embodiments can wrap-around the rounded- top surface
  • Figure 6 depicts one embodiment of a bottom view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles. This view features the power-cable harness-and-plug assembly for coupling to a vehicle's trailer-power adapter.
  • Figure 7 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • This view features an alternative means to power the light assembly by way of one or more internally-disposed batteries, which in some variations can be rechargeable and can also be combined in other embodiments with a power-cable harness configuration as depicted in Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 depicts one embodiment of a left and/or right end view (each being substantially the same) of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • Figure 9 depicts one embodiment of a typical cut-away internal view of the slidable and position-lockable interface between a central lamp-mount tube and one of the slidable end tubes used to vary the length of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.
  • Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a rear view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles, said light assembly featuring the mounting of gang boxes and associated lamps instead of longitudinally mounted end lamps/lenses as depicted in the embodiment of Figure 1.
  • the present disclosure is directed generally to a light assembly for attachment to a vehicle cargo or bicycle rack attached to the rear of a vehicle.
  • Many commercially available vehicle cargo and bicycle racks obscure the rear lights of the vehicle to which they are mounted. In obscuring these lights, it is difficult for an observer to determine from the rear when the vehicle's brake lights, turn signals, or reverse indicator lights are in operation and pose a safety hazard for other vehicles operating behind the subject vehicle.
  • a typical embodiment of the present disclosure solves this problem by providing a lighting system that attaches to a cargo or bike rack with one or more lights that are visible from the rear. These lights operate in parity with the vehicle's rear lighting system.
  • the tail/brake lights are integrated directly into the ends of a horizontal tube made of a rigid and relatively lightweight material (aluminum is preferred because of weight, but other light-weight, sturdy materials, such as chrome-moly, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or other rigid plastic, carbon fiber composite, titanium, or other appropriate metal alloys could be used) for a more streamlined and less bulky appearance.
  • lamps are positioned and mounted towards each end of the apparatus via gang boxes.
  • the ends of the aluminum tube have a flange attachment with an aperture that holds the integrated "bee-hive style" tail/brake light- and-wire assembly.
  • the lamp configurations can include an array of LED lamps with colors and types strategically placed along the length of the apparatus.
  • the power for the lamps in the apparatus originates with a vehicle's electrical-power system, and is supplied via a wire harness coupled on one end to a vehicle's trailer-power adapter that places the apparatus and the vehicle in electrical communication with each other.
  • the apparatus is powered by batteries disposed within the central portion of the lamp-mount member (tube) and/or the power provided by a vehicle via the aforementioned wire harness is supplemented by one or more rechargeable batteries, wherein said batteries can always ensure that at least continuous tail lights can be illuminated, even if the brake and signal information from the associated vehicle is interrupted.
  • the elongated lamp-mount member of the apparatus is securely, but detachably, coupled to a bike/cargo rack via straps or cords (preferably of elastomeric/resilient materials), which can be the straps of cords that are already attached to the associated bike/cargo rack or can be stand-along straps/cords (e.g., bungee cords, ratchet straps, hook-and-loop strapping, etc.)
  • straps or cords preferably of elastomeric/resilient materials
  • the exterior of the elongated lamp-mount member is substantially covered with a relatively high-friction or tactile material.
  • a relatively high-friction or tactile material is a treaded rubber surface. This covering also serves to protect the surfaces of any cargo or bicycles that are in close proximity to the lighting apparatus, provides weather/moisture resistance, and helps protect the apparatus itself from corrosive and/or wearing environmental elements.
  • Couple refers to either an indirect or a direct connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
  • removable refers to structures that can be uncoupled from an adjoining structure with relative ease (i.e., non-destructively and without a complicated or time-consuming process) and that can also be readily reattached or coupled to the previously adjoining structure.
  • This embodiment is directed generally to a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a "cargo rack") attached to the rear of an associated vehicle.
  • the light assembly is equipped with one or more lamps that, when in electrical communication with an associated vehicle, track an associated vehicle's real-time rear- light functions to overcome the common problem where many loaded cargo racks obscure the rear lights of the associated vehicle.
  • the light assembly 3 comprises an elongated lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle's rear cargo rack 3 and at least one lamp 5A/6A, 5B/6B (usually two) capable of being electrically powered and attached to the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein said at least one lamp 5A/6A, 5B/6B is adapted to function in parity with an associated vehicle rear- lighting system.
  • the lamp-mount member is detachably coupled in a horizontal orientation to the cargo rack 3 via cords and/or strapping 7A, 7B, wherein the cords or strapping 7A, 7B can be those fixedly attached to a cargo rack 3 or additional, standalone cords or strapping 7A, 7B.
  • a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the light-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is covered by a high-friction gripping surface material, wherein the gripping surface material is used to minimize travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement, as well as serve as a protective covering to minimize wear and corrosion from environmental factors.
  • the lamps 6A, 6B and their respective housings/flanges 5A, 5B are attached to or near the opposite ends of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • flanges 5A, 5B are integrated into the ends of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, with the flanges 5A, 5B configured with wiring and lamp receptacles that are already known in the art, and the flanges 5A, 5B adapted to receive a lamp cover/lens 6A, 6B.
  • flanges 5A, 5B can be adapted to receive any number of shapes, sizes, and types of lamps/lamp covers/lenses 6A, 6B, such as beehive, conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, cuboid, capsule-shaped, rectangular, triangular, circular, or any number of commonly available lamp shapes.
  • the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is equipped with gang boxes (or similar structures) that are attached near each end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C and house lamps 6A, 6B, which are often square or rectangular in shape (though not limited to those shapes). See Figure 9 for an example.
  • the internal wiring 11 of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is such to facilitate the illumination of the lamps 6A, 6B to track the signals from an associated vehicle's rear lighting, including brake signals, turn signals, backing signals, and general illumination.
  • the lamps 6A, 6B are powered via a wiring harness 9A, 9B threaded through lamp mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to lamps 6A, 6B.
  • the wiring harness 9A, 9B exits lamp mount member 2C through an aperture in center portion 2C and plugs 9B into a trailer-power adapter 10 disposed at the rear of the associated vehicle.
  • the wiring harness 9A terminates with an electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle.
  • a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.
  • lamps 6A, 6B may be powered by electrical batteries 9D housed in lamp-mount- member 2C, 9C.
  • wiring would extend from the batteries housed in lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C to power lamps 6A, 6B and turned on by an electrical switch (not shown) disposed on or near the battery housing 9C.
  • the switch can allow a user to select between powering the lighting assembly 1 via the associated vehicle or from the batteries 9D. If from the batteries 9D, then because no signals would be coming from the vehicle, the red lamps 6A, 6B on the lighting assembly 1 would remain on continuously until the switch is positioned to de-energize the lamps 6A, 6B or the batteries 9D are depleted.
  • the lamps 6A, 6B can be configured to flash/blink at a predetermined time interval to serve as a road-hazard/emergency- flasher alert to other vehicles.
  • Said blinking functionality can be accomplished by many solid-state blinker-circuit schemes well-known in the art (e.g., use of transistors, timer chips, boost converters, solid-state relays, microcontrollers, and/or dedicated LED driver chip), or even by simply using "blinker" incandescent light bulbs that are equipped with an internal bimetallic metal strip.
  • Still another embodiment involves having rechargeable batteries 9D (e.g., lithium- sulfur, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li- ion), and lithium-ion-polymer (Li-ion polymer) as a backup power source (typically a 12- VDC source) to the wiring harness 9A, 9B, and are recharged by via wiring harness 9A, 9B that is plugged 10 into an associated vehicle.
  • the wiring harness 9A, 9B also provides signals from an associated vehicle's lighting system to provide signals for braking, turns, and backing.
  • the surface of the lamp- mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.
  • lamps 6A, 6B are attached to lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C by flanges 5A, 5B, respectively. These flanges may be comprised of metal, plastic, or many other commonly available materials and are fitted into the ends of lamp-mount member 2A. 2B, 2C.
  • the type of lamps 6A, 6B can be incandescent, halogen, light emitting diode (LED), or any other commercially available vehicle lamp.
  • the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can be primarily comprised of a single hollow tube, preferably of a lightweight material. However, because it is preferable to be able to easily adjust the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, in most embodiments, the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a minimum of two hollow tubes that can be slidably/telescopically (and lockably) engaged with one another and secured into a user- specified position with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment, two end hollow tubes 2A, 2B are each slidably/telescopically (and lockably) engaged with a central, larger- diameter hollow tube.
  • this telescoping lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C is substantially comprised of a relatively lightweight, hollow aluminum inner and outer telescoping tubes; however, the tubes can also may be comprised of other lightweight, rigid materials such as aluminum alloy, steel, chromium-molybdenum alloy, polyvinyl chloride pipe, titanium, carbon fiber composite, or wood, or a composite material using a combination of one or more of these materials.
  • Lamp-mount- member 2A, 2B, 2C is not limited to a circular cross section, but may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other cross sectional shape, and the diameter may vary to accommodate different sized lamps and applications.
  • the positions of the slidably/telescopically engaged tube positions are lockable by way of a thumb screw (or similar fastener) 8A, 8B that is disposed through a threaded hole in the wider middle tube section 2C that can be tightened enough against the outer surface of the inserted tube section 2A, 2B to prevent movement once the desired length and lamp 6A, 6B positions are obtained.
  • a thumb screw or similar fastener
  • Other schemes to positionally lock the telescoping tube sections are possible (and contemplated) in other embodiments; e.g., locking pin inserts through both tubes, a ball-and-detent configuration, an array of predrilled positioning holes/depressions into the interior tube 2A, 2B for engagement with said thumb screw, etc.
  • a gasket or O-ring 12 disposed within a groove located on the inner surface and toward the opening of the larger-diameter tube is used to provide a seal between the slidable interface of the tubes in order to prevent or minimize the introduction of moisture and dirt within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • the gasket or O-ring 12 is made of an elastomeric/resilient material such as neoprene or rubber.
  • portions of the external surfaces of the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C are covered with high-friction, gripable sleeve materials that allow a user to easily grip the lighting assembly 1.
  • a user may hold gripable sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C and apply pressure in either direction to adjust the length of lamp- mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C and the position of the lamps 6A, 6B laterally with respect to the cargo rack 3 and its associated vehicle for optimal viewing of lamps 6A, 6B.
  • Center gripable sleeve portion 2C also prevents slippage of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction by providing a non-slip substrate for placement of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C to a cargo rack's 3 frame supports and securely fastened by straps or clips 7A, 7B.
  • Such sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C also help protect loads in immediate proximity to the lighting apparatus 1, help provide weather/moisture resistance for the lighting apparatus 1, and help protect the lighting apparatus 1 itself from corrosive and/or wearing environmental elements.
  • the gripable sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C can be comprised of relatively high- friction, tactile materials such as rubber, molded plastic, latex, silicone, or impregnated fabric.
  • Complete coverage of the external lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is not necessary, and in one variation, a common treaded mountain-bike tire can be cross-sectionally sliced into sections of appropriate sizes and the cut sections ("sleeves") fit over the tubular sections of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, which leaves each sleeve with a longitudinal opening that allows the easy installation and removal of a sleeve.
  • the sleeve portions have treaded projections to aid the user in gripping lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C, as well as to add an ornamental feature of the apparatus 1.
  • the gripping sleeve portions may have a variety of different tread designs to not only enhance the ease of grip for the user, but to enhance the durable, yet aesthetic appearance of light assembly 1.
  • the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C has additional indicator sleeving 4A, 4B covering portions of the external surface of the lamp-mount- member 2A, 2B, 2C, which are typically used to (1) cover telescopic- sliding interfaces between the lamp-mount-member sections 2A, 2B, 2C and (2) provide color-based
  • the indicator sleeving is an accordion- style sleeve covering comprised of an expandable plastic, but may be comprised of other elastomeric/resilient materials, like rubber.
  • the indicator sleeving can also be configured from other foldable designs that allow for expansion and collapsing lengthwise as adjustment of the length using telescoping inner and outer tubes of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C is made to optimally position the lamps 6A, 6B.
  • the indicator sleeving is of a reflective, red color, which helps comply with various traffic regulatory requirements for transporting trailers and oversized loads.
  • the light assembly's telescoping tubing are spring-loaded, allowing for compression and expansion of the length of said lamp-mount member.
  • the spring-loaded assembly has at least two cargo-rack-engagement arms substantially orthogonally from the tubing such that the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can be disengagably coupled to a portion of a cargo rack 3 by way of the force of said spring- loading between said slidably/telescopically engaged tubes.
  • This embodiment is directed generally to a method of making a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting-augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, the gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement.
  • this embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C has a plurality of treaded projections.
  • the gripping surface is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.
  • This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B is disposed at one end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to substantially mirror the position of an associated vehicle tail light.
  • the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.
  • the at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing housing 9C for at least one electrical battery 9D to facilitate supplying electrical power to said at least one lamp 6A, 6B via electrical wiring 11.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing at least one electrical battery 9D.
  • the battery 9D is rechargeable.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing an electrical adapter 9A, 9B to facilitate the recharging of the at least one electrical battery 9D.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a wiring harness 9A, 9B in electrical communication with the electrical wiring 11 and adapted to be plugged into a trailer- light power adapter 10 installed on a vehicle, whereby the at least one lamp 6A, 6B can be electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system.
  • the wiring harness 9A terminates with an electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle.
  • a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.
  • an end-user can use
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D configured to receive electrical energy via the wiring harness 9A, 9B, wherein the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via the wiring harness 9A, 9B.
  • the surface of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.
  • the at least one lamp 6A, 6B attached to the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically- shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.
  • a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically- shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.
  • the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb.
  • the at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light-Emitting Diode).
  • the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.
  • the at least one hollow tube 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, the second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into the first tube; and the second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in order to allow a user to position the at least one lamp 6A, 6B to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.
  • a gasket or O-ring 12 disposed within a groove located on the inner surface and toward the opening of the larger-diameter tube is used to provide a seal between the slidable interface of the tubes in order to prevent or minimize the introduction of moisture and dirt within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • the gasket or O-ring 12 is made of an elastomeric/resilient material such as neoprene or rubber.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing an elastomeric/resilient, accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B covering the external interface between the first tube and the second tube 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein the accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B expands or collapses as the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adjusted.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a means 8A, 8B for adjustably fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member to be at a user-specified length.
  • first tube and the second tube assembly has a spring mechanism that allows for compression and expansion of the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B,
  • 2C has at least one rack-engagement arm projecting therefrom, and where the rack- engagement arm can be disengagably coupled to a portion of a cargo rack 3 by way of the force of the spring-loading between the slidably engaged tubes 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adapted to be attached to a cargo rack 3 with tie-down straps or cords 7A, 7B.
  • the tie-down straps or cords 7A, 7B are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric/resilient straps, elastomeric/resilient cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie-downs.
  • This embodiment is directed generally to method of using a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting-augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack, as described in the First Embodiment, supra. Refer to Figures 1-10.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • the light assembly 1 further comprises a gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member, the gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement.
  • the gripping surface covering at least a portion of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C has a plurality of treaded projections.
  • the gripping surface is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.
  • This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B is disposed at one end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to substantially correspond to the position of an associated vehicle tail light.
  • the light assembly 1 further comprises at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B fixedly attached at or near each said at least one end of the lamp-mount member 6A, 6B, adapted to fixedly hold the at least one lamp lens 6A, 6B, and electrical wiring 11 disposed within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to facilitate the provision of electrical power for the at least one lamp 6A, 6B.
  • the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.
  • the light assembly 1 is powered by a vehicle in electrical communication with the light assembly 1.
  • the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D is configured to receive electrical energy from a vehicle that is in electrical communication with the light assembly 1 through a wiring harness 9A, 9B, wherein the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via the wiring harness 9A, 9B.
  • the surface of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.
  • the lighting apparatus' 1 wiring harness 9A terminates with an adapter electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six-way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle.
  • a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six-way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.
  • an end-user can use his or her lighting apparatus 1 with any number of trailer-power adapters 10.
  • this embodiment can be enhanced by including the step of obtaining a second wiring harness-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a user-selected type of trailer-power adapter 10 for a vehicle.
  • the at least one lamp 6A, 6B attached to the lamp-mount adapter 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically-shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.
  • the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb.
  • the at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light-Emitting Diode).
  • the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.
  • the at least one hollow tube 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, the second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into the first tube; and the second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in order to allow a user to position the at least one lamp 6A, 6B to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.
  • a gasket or O-ring 12 disposed within a groove located on the inner surface and toward the opening of the larger-diameter tube is used to provide a seal between the slidable interface of the tubes in order to prevent or minimize the introduction of moisture and dirt within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • the gasket or O-ring 12 is made of an elastomeric/resilient material such as neoprene or rubber.
  • the light assembly 1 further comprises an elastomeric/resilient, accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B covering the external interface between the first tube and the second tube of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein the accordion-style sleeve 4A, 4B expands or collapses as the length of the lamp- mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adjusted.
  • the light assembly 1 further comprises a means 8A, 8B for adjustably fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to be at a user- specified length.
  • the adjustable means of fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to be at a user- specified length is at least one threaded fastener 8A, 8B engaged through the wall of the first tube 2C and tightenable against the surface of the second engaged tube 2A, 2B, the threaded fastener 8A, 8B accessible to a user from the exterior of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C.
  • the method can further comprise the step of positioning the at least one slidably engaged tubes 2A, 2B, 2C such that at least one of the light assembly's lamps 6A, 6B positionally corresponds with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.
  • strapping or cords 7A, 7B are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric/resilient straps, elastomeric/resilient cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie- downs.
  • the at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble feux arrière/feux de frein portable et léger fixé de manière amovible à un support à vélos/de chargement monté sur la partie arrière d'un véhicule, de sorte que lorsque le ou les vélos/le chargement sont chargés sur le support, le véhicule associé aura toujours un éclairage arrière utilisable, y compris l'éclairage de signalisation/de frein, qui n'est pas obstrué par le chargement ou les vélos. Dans un mode de réalisation, les feux arrière/de frein sont intégrés directement dans les extrémités d'un élément de montage de lampes tubulaire de forme allongé qui comprend des parties télescopiques à positions verrouillables à chaque extrémité qui peuvent être ajustées de manière fixe par un utilisateur final pour faire varier la largeur de l'appareil et par conséquent les positions des lampes par rapport à un véhicule associé et/ou pour s'adapter à la largeur du chargement. Les lampes sur chaque extrémité de l'élément de montage de lampes sont conçues pour recevoir un courant électrique et des signaux à partir d'un système d'éclairage arrière d'un véhicule associé par l'intermédiaire de l'adaptateur d'alimentation de remorque du véhicule.
PCT/US2014/051762 2014-08-19 2014-08-19 Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation Ceased WO2016028283A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2014/051762 WO2016028283A1 (fr) 2014-08-19 2014-08-19 Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2014/051762 WO2016028283A1 (fr) 2014-08-19 2014-08-19 Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016028283A1 true WO2016028283A1 (fr) 2016-02-25

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PCT/US2014/051762 Ceased WO2016028283A1 (fr) 2014-08-19 2014-08-19 Dispositif amélioré d'augmentation d'éclairage arrière de véhicule pour les supports de chargement et les remorques, et procédés d'utilisation

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT202200021741A1 (it) * 2022-10-21 2024-04-21 Rigotti Cristian Portabiciclette con sistema di allarme
US12221074B2 (en) 2021-06-23 2025-02-11 Byk-Rak, Division Of Hogan Mfg., Inc. Bicycle rack and lighting assembly

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4970630A (en) * 1989-06-30 1990-11-13 Gruhn Usa, Inc. Removably-mountable integral lighting system
JPH0911804A (ja) * 1995-06-30 1997-01-14 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd 自動車の灯火装置
US5717276A (en) * 1996-09-13 1998-02-10 Hsu; Chin-Tien Flexible light
US20110108592A1 (en) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 Hyundai Motor Company Bicycle Carrier for Vehicle
US20110253758A1 (en) * 2010-04-14 2011-10-20 Claude Bertrand Bicycle rack accessory

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4970630A (en) * 1989-06-30 1990-11-13 Gruhn Usa, Inc. Removably-mountable integral lighting system
JPH0911804A (ja) * 1995-06-30 1997-01-14 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd 自動車の灯火装置
US5717276A (en) * 1996-09-13 1998-02-10 Hsu; Chin-Tien Flexible light
US20110108592A1 (en) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 Hyundai Motor Company Bicycle Carrier for Vehicle
US20110253758A1 (en) * 2010-04-14 2011-10-20 Claude Bertrand Bicycle rack accessory

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12221074B2 (en) 2021-06-23 2025-02-11 Byk-Rak, Division Of Hogan Mfg., Inc. Bicycle rack and lighting assembly
IT202200021741A1 (it) * 2022-10-21 2024-04-21 Rigotti Cristian Portabiciclette con sistema di allarme
EP4357200A1 (fr) * 2022-10-21 2024-04-24 Walter Rigotti Porte-vélo avec système d'alarme

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